Lynn Chandnois Obituary

FLINT, Mich. (AP) - Lynn Chandnois, a 1950s special teams star for the Pittsburgh Steelers whose average on kickoff returns ranks second only to Gale Sayers in NFL history, died Tuesday. He was 86.

Michigan State, where Chandnois was a two-way standout in the late 1940s, said Thursday that Chandnois died in Flint, Mich., where he lived. Other details were not disclosed.

Chandnois played seven seasons for the Steelers after they drafted him No. 8 overall in 1950. He averaged 29.6 yards on kickoff returns, behind only the 30.6 averaged by Sayers. Chandnois made the NFL's all-star game twice and had a league-high 1,593 all-purpose yards in 1953.

"Lynn was one of our great players from the past," Steelers chairman Dan Rooney said in a statement. "He was a really good person and a better player than anyone ever gave him credit for being. He is one of those special players that we will always remember."

Chandnois was in the Naval Air Corps f or two years before he enrolled at Michigan State in 1946 at the age of 21. He had 20 career interceptions for 410 yards, both still school records. A halfback, he ranks second in Spartans history with 6.55 yards per carry and sixth with 31 touchdowns.

"During his era, Lynn Chandnois was one of college football's most talented two-way players," Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio said. "He was so valuable on both sides of the football that he earned the nickname '60-minute Chandnois.' You get an idea of what kind of an impact Lynn had on the field when you look in MSU's record book today and still see his name listed so prominently.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Chandnois family in this time of grief."

Survivors include his wife and two daughters. Funeral arrangements were not announced.

FLINT, Mich. (AP) - Lynn Chandnois, a 1950s special teams star for the Pittsburgh Steelers whose average on kickoff returns ranks second only to Gale Sayers in NFL history, died Tuesday. He was 86.

Michigan State, where Chandnois was a two-way standout in the late 1940s, said Thursday that Chandnois died in Flint, Mich., where he lived. Other details were not disclosed.

Chandnois played seven seasons for the Steelers after they drafted him No. 8 overall in 1950. He averaged 29.6 yards on kickoff returns, behind only the 30.6 averaged by Sayers. Chandnois made the NFL's all-star game twice and had a league-high 1,593 all-purpose yards in 1953.

"Lynn was one of our great players from the past," Steelers chairman Dan Rooney said in a statement. "He was a really good person and a better player than anyone ever gave him credit for being. He is one of those special players that we will always remember."

Chandnois was in the Naval Air Corps f or two years before he enrolled at Michigan State in 1946 at the age of 21. He had 20 career interceptions for 410 yards, both still school records. A halfback, he ranks second in Spartans history with 6.55 yards per carry and sixth with 31 touchdowns.

"During his era, Lynn Chandnois was one of college football's most talented two-way players," Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio said. "He was so valuable on both sides of the football that he earned the nickname '60-minute Chandnois.' You get an idea of what kind of an impact Lynn had on the field when you look in MSU's record book today and still see his name listed so prominently.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Chandnois family in this time of grief."

Survivors include his wife and two daughters. Funeral arrangements were not announced.

Guest Book Highlights

" RIP mr chandnois I know we will met in a better place Thank you for spending time with me on the phohe. that meant a great deal to me.you are still my favorite all time player."- William B. Senter (lawrenceville, GA)

"My Dad was a rookie during Lynn's last season with the Steelers. I just told my father, Art, this news -- and he was deeply saddened about Lynn's passing. Dad just went on and on about how nice Lynn was to him and said he had the best looking "camel..."- Doug Davis (Lake Oswego, OR)

"Dear Linda, So sorry for the lost of your father. Our prayers are with you and your family. love, Vicki Niemershien Hunt Oscoda, Michigan."

" I played many rounds of golf with Lynn in Flint in the 60's and 70's.Always enjoyed his company. Sincere condolences to his family and friends. Bill Mangrum,Dir. of Personnel, Ret. Carman Ainsworth School District"

"Paulette....My sincere condolences to you and your family. May you find comfort and solace in the warm and wonderful memories that you have created over the years. God bless you all in the days ahead."- Liz Goguen (Swartz Creek, MI)

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Published in Flint Journal from April 22 to April 28, 2011

CHANDNOIS , Lynn Everett - Age 88 passed away April 19, 2011 in Flint, MI. Cremation has taken place per his request. A Memorial Service will be held at Reigle Funeral Home Friday, April 29, 2011...
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Published online on April 20, 2011 courtesy of Dignity Memorial.

CHANDNOIS, Lynn Everett – Age 88 passed away April 19, 2011 in Flint, MI. Cremation has taken place per his request. A Memorial Service will be held at Reigle Funeral Home Friday, April 29, 2011 at...
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